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Repeat Grand Final to open 2018 Beko Netball League

The defending champion Central side will open the 2018 Beko Netball League with a repeat of 2017 grand final against Mainland.

Central went through last year’s league unbeaten and will have the advantage of opening its new campaign in front of a home crowd on May 13 at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.

The Northern Comets, from the Northern Zone, joined the league in 2017 and will be back for their second year which will see six teams play a double round-robin over 13 weekends – with 10 games to be televised on SKY Sport – culminating in a Grand Final on July 29.

The Beko Netball League was introduced in 2016 with the aim of developing talent in New Zealand and ultimately strengthening Netball New Zealand’s elite teams.

Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the Beko Netball League was continuing to deliver in all areas.

“The competition for finals positions in 2017 was intense and the standard on court continues to improve with each season,” she said.

“It has been encouraging to see those involved with the Beko Netball League making a seamless transition into teams at a higher level when called upon.”

South was the inaugural winner of the league in 2016 while Central beat Mainland by two goals for the 2017 crown.

This year’s grand final will be played on July 29 in Auckland and televised on SKY Sport.